School Naming Committee seeks submissions

We are writing to follow up about the process being undertaken by the Durham District School Board that may result in the renaming of Lord Elgin Public School.

Each time the DDSB undergoes a naming process for our schools, we aim to make the process as transparent, equitable, accessible, and respectful as possible.

This is your opportunity to get involved!

The School Naming Committee is seeking new name submissions for Lord Elgin Public School. Submit your idea(s) by filling out the survey no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 6. You will also have the option to indicate that you would like to keep the current name.

Criteria for New Names: Submissions must support the Board’s commitment to Indigenous rights, human rights, equity, and anti-oppressive principles and practices. The name of a school must not interfere with a student’s right to an education free from discrimination or discriminatory barriers.

As highlighted in the DDSB School Naming Policy, the name of a school may/must be:

• The name of a renowned individual of historical significance whose contribution to the local community, Canadian society, or to the world is recognized and valued and would be seen by the community as representative of the values of the DDSB; or
• The name of a geographic landmark associated with the location of the school including a street name and the name of the community including any historical name for the community or area; or
• The name of a significant Canadian event.

In no case shall any school be named after a corporation, a sitting politician, a current employee of the Board, a member of the Board, or a member of the immediate family of the foregoing.

Naming Process: The School Naming Committee receives, reviews, and considers submissions from the broader school community, then narrows submissions for further consultation as outlined in the Procedure.

Anticipated Timeline (subject to change):

• October 6 – First consultation survey closes.
• Week of October 16 – The School Naming Committee will review and consider submissions and narrow them for a second round of community consultation.
• Mid to late November – Second consultation survey closes.
• Early December – The School Naming Committee will review feedback and recommend to the Board of Trustees (January 2024) the proposed new name. In accordance with the Naming of Schools Procedure, the top three choices from the School Naming Committee will be presented in either scenario.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback. We look forward to your participation. For those who wish to submit names via telephone, please contact Michelle Fannin at 905-666-6356.

Your Partners in Education,

Stephen Nevills
Superintendent of Education
Durham District School Board 

Kim Argier
Principal
Lord Elgin Public School